A FORMER school in Middlesbrough is becoming a new jazz venue. The Jazz Lounge will open in Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre, the old St Anthony’s secondary school, on January 30 with saxophonist Dave O’Higgins.

“It’s never really been used for outside activities that much,” says Ian Forrest, of TQ Promotions. “What we’re trying to do is get it out into the community. For very little expense they’ve got a very nice facility.

“Why not use it for music? It’s perfect, it has a little stage, nice bar and nice ambience. Jazz is the first one we’re trying. It would be nice to get a rush of people and bit of interest, so people are aware of it and it cascades round the music scene.”

He opted for a Jazz Lounge because he feels that music isn’t well catered for elsewhere in the town.

“There are various music venues which has live acts and tribute shows, but jazz-wise there’s a clientele that lends itself to the learning and teaching centre. You get a lot of professional people interested in jazz and blues, so we’re doing advertising in-house,”

he says.

The January 30 date is a one-off to see how it goes. If successful, he hopes to run the Jazz Lounge on a monthly basis.

As a wedding venue, it caters for up to 170 people and he’s hoping to get as many as 200 in for the jazz night. “We’ll have cabaretstyle tables, bar and stage so it’ll have a nice feel about it,” says Mr Forrest.

“I want it for people to enjoy the centre as much as the music. Dave O’Higgins is someone who plays at Ronnie Scott’s club in London and we’re bringing him to Middlesbrough for £10 a head.”

For tickets ring: 01642-292447 or 07854538090